PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERTER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE - A photoelectric converter device includes a front surface glass plate, a photoelectric conversion unit formed on the front surface glass plate and serving to generate electric power in response to incidence of light, and a back surface glass plate arranged so as to cover the photoelectric conversion unit. The front surface glass plate and the back surface glass plate are fused and joined in at least a part of a peripheral portion of the glass plates.

2012-12-27

20120325316

METHOD TO EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUBSTRATE CLEANNESS AND QUANTITY OF PIN HOLES IN AN ANTIREFLECTIVE COATING OF A SOLAR CELL - A method to determine the cleanness of a semiconductor substrate and the quantity/density of pin holes that may exist within a patterned antireflective coating (ARC) is provided. Electroplating is employed to monitor the changes in the porosity of the ARC caused by the pin holes during solar cell manufacturing. In particular, electroplating a metal or metal alloy to form a metallic grid on an exposed front side surface of a substrate also fills the pin holes. The quantity/density of metallic filled pin holes (and hence the number of pin holes) in the patterned ARC can then be determined.

2012-12-27

20120325317

APPARATUS FOR FORMING COPPER INDIUM GALLIUM CHALCOGENIDE LAYERS - A multilayer structure to form absorber layers for solar cells. The multilayer structure includes a base comprising a contact layer on a substrate layer, a first layer on the contact layer, and a metallic layer on the first layer. The first layer includes an indium-gallium-selenide film and the gallium to indium molar ratio of the indium-gallium-selenide film is in the range of 0 to 0.8. The metallic layer includes gallium and indium without selenium. Additional selenium is deposited onto the metallic layer before annealing the structure for forming an absorber.

2012-12-27

20120325318

SOLAR CELL AND FABRICATION METHOD THEREOF - A solar cell is provided that an extremely thin light absorber is formed between a n-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer such that the light absorber is used to absorb solar energy, while the p-type semiconductor layer may not absorb light. After separation of electrons and holes, the carriers will not recombine during the conduction, in order to avoid energy loss.

2012-12-27

20120325319

PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, METHOD FOR PRODUCING PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND SOLAR CELL - A photoelectric conversion element excellent in photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability of photoelectric conversion function, a method for producing the photoelectric conversion element, and a solar cell comprising the photoelectric conversion element are provided. The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion element comprising a substrate, a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer containing a semiconductor and a sensitizing dye, and a hole transport layer, and a second electrode, wherein the hole transport layer comprises a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the general formula (1) or (2), and the sensitizing dye is represented by any of the general formulas (3A) to (3C).

2012-12-27

20120325320

SLIDING CORE FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE - A pump for the delivery of a fluid includes a core, a restrictor, and an expandable bladder. The core is configured to extend longitudinally along an axis of the pump. The restrictor is configured to limit the longitudinal extension of the core to a predetermined maximum length. The expandable bladder is attached to the support core in at least one position and configured to receive a fluid.

2012-12-27

20120325321

TOOL LUBRICATION DELIVERY MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tool lubrication delivery monitoring system and a method of control. An accelerometer is provided to detect a position of a valve and fluid flow through the valve. Accelerometer data may be compared to a baseline profile to determine whether fluid flow or valve operation is within established parameters.

2012-12-27

20120325322

AUTOMATIC SPEED SEARCHING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A PARTIAL STROKE TEST OF A CONTROL VALVE - An automatic speed searching device for a partial stroke test of a control valve includes a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve and a blocker valve. An electrical module is operatively connected to the pilot valve, a supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve. In an open position of the spool valve, a first control fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first control fluid outlet, and in a closed position of the spool valve the first control fluid outlet is fluidly connected to a second control fluid outlet. A method of determining an optimum stroke speed includes iteratively powering a main and secondary solenoid in the electrical module and updating parameters to move a control element of the control valve until movement of the control element is within a desired range.

2012-12-27

20120325323

PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VARYING RESTRICTIONS TO FLOW ALONG THE SAME - A production system includes, a tubular having a plurality of sets of ports therethrough spaced longitudinally therealong positionable within a structure, at least one screen radial of the tubular defining an annulus between the structure and the at least one screen, at least one solids control mechanism configured to fill the annulus, and a plurality of flow restrictors. At least one of the flow restrictors is in operable communication with each of the plurality of sets of ports and is configured to generate different restrictions to a same flow rate through each of the plurality of sets of ports

2012-12-27

20120325324

AIR SEPARATOR AND AIR SEPARATOR WITH DUCTING FOR MAXIMUM COOLING AND FUEL ECONOMY - An assembly is provided for maximizing cooling in fuel economy in automotive vehicle having an argument. A grille opening in the vehicle allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a first path and a bottom breather opening allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a distinct, second path. An air separator extends between the first and second paths to prevent mixing of airflow along these paths. In one embodiment, the air separator is a thin dividing wall preferably formed of a deformable material. The deformable portion extends toward a condenser/radiator assembly at low vehicle speeds. At increased vehicle speeds, the deformable portion deflects and preferably adopts a generally curvilinear contour of ducting to enhance airflow along the second path. An associated method of controlling airflow is provided by terminating the air separator closely adjacent a condenser/radiator assembly to limit mixing of airflow along separate paths. Further, the air separator deflects in response to increased air flow to alter airflow through at least one of the first and second paths.

2012-12-27

20120325325

SUPERSONIC ENGINE INLET DIFFUSER WITH DEPLOYABLE VORTEX GENERATORS - A flow control device generates counter-rotating vortices in the boundary layer of the flow in a supersonic inlet diffuser for an aircraft turbine engine. The flow control device comprises a flap attached to the duct wall for selective deployment, wherein it extends into the boundary layer, and retraction, wherein it lies substantially flush with the duct wall. In one embodiment an actuating mechanism comprising one or more shape-memory alloy wires moves the flap between two stable positions. In another embodiment the deployment height of the flap can be controlled as desired, preferably using a shape-memory alloy actuating mechanism. Typically, an array of plural flow control devices is disposed in the inlet duct for selective actuation according to a predetermined schedule.

2012-12-27

20120325326

Method of Reducing Resistance of Streamlined Body of A Vehicle and Its Applications - A method of reducing resistance of streamlined body of a vehicle and its applications is provided, wherein one or more raised structures are configured between the widest point and the caudal end of a streamlined body, and a gap can be configured between such raised structures. In this way, the raised structure can impede and guide the boundary layer of the fluid to exert more pressure on the caudal end of the streamlined body thereby reducing resistance to which the streamlined body may be subject. The present invention can be applied to various streamlined bodies in order to increase the speed of a cruising streamlined body.

METHODS AND LOADPORT FOR PURGING A SUBSTRATE CARRIER - In a first aspect, a substrate carrier is provided that includes an enclosure adapted to be sealable and to house at least one substrate. The substrate carrier includes a first port leading into the enclosure and adapted to allow a flow of gas into the enclosure while the substrate carrier is closed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

2012-12-27

20120325329

POLYMERIC GEL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME IN HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol and an effective amount of a phosphorus-containing compound sufficient to increase the viscosity of coacervate gels up to 3 times as compared to the gels in the absence of the phosphorus-containing compound. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids.

2012-12-27

20120325330

Selectively Controlling Fluid Flow Through a Fluid Pathway - Systems and methods for controlling fluid delivery via a manually administrable medication container to a patient through a fluid delivery pathway are provided. The systems and methods described herein incorporate rules-based clinical decision support logic to drive a flow control valve within a flow pathway to determine whether the IV fluid connected to the input port is consistent with medical orders, accepted delivery protocols, and/or specific patient and patient histories. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.

2012-12-27

20120325331

Pressure Regulator Valve Replacement Assembly - A pressure regulator valve replacement assembly for maintaining a flow of transmission fluid to various fluid circuits within a Honda automatic transmission during low torque operation of a torque converter is disclosed. To accomplish this, the pressure regulator valve replacement assembly includes a valve piston subassembly having control diameters, and a valve chamber containing a check ball.

2012-12-27

20120325332

Automatic Draining Back Flow Prevention Device - A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.

2012-12-27

20120325333

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING A WATER LINE - Apparatus for cleaning an internal water line of a household appliance, in particular of a refrigerating device, includes a chamber which contains a cleaning substance or can be filled with the cleaning substance. An inlet connection is in communication with the chamber and configured identical to an inlet connection of the internal water line, and an outlet connection is in communication with the chamber and configured to complement the inlet connection of the apparatus.

2012-12-27

20120325334

MANIFOLD FOR A FLUIDIC CARTRIDGE - A manifold system is provided that includes a manifold housing and a manifold core. The manifold housing is configured to receive the manifold core. The manifold housing includes an oblique inner surface and at least one fluidic channel. The fluidic channel ends with one of its ends at the oblique inner surface. The manifold housing together with the at least one fluidic channel has no undercut.

EXTENSION ASSEMBLY FOR FAUCETS - An extension assembly for effectively extending a faucet stem to facilitate the maintenance of a faucet assembly. The extension assembly includes a stem extender which connects to a faucet stem, an extension tube which fits over the stem extender and determines the length by which the faucet stem is extended, and an optional adapter for interfacing between the faucet stem and the stem extender.

2012-12-27

20120325337

FIXED AND SELECTIVELY FIXED BYPASS PUMPLESS INSTANTANEOUS / STORAGE WATER HEATER SYSTEM - A representatively pumpless water heater system has an instantaneous water heater coupled in series with a storage water heater by piping circuitry incorporating a fixed (and selectively fixed) bypass useable to route pressurized incoming cold water sequentially through the instantaneous and storage type heaters. The fixed bypass can also route pressurized incoming cold water to mix with the heated water exiting the instantaneous heater for delivery to the storage heater.

2012-12-27

20120325338

AUTOMATIC BALANCING VALVE - An automatic balancing valve is disclosed which is equipped with choking means that can be operated manually with a ring nut placed below the actuating member of the shutter and aligned axially therewith. Advantageously, the dimensions of the ring nut are larger in plan view compared to the plan view dimensions of the actuating member so as to allow its rotation without removing the actuating member.

Apparatus to eliminate back drive in push pull system of rotor aircraft and related methods - Apparatus and methods for eliminating back drive in a push pull type control system, are provided. An exemplary apparatus includes a control rod including a pair of spaced apart piston displacement members each configured to carry a check valve. The apparatus also includes a pair of opposite-face check valves each configured to seal against respective opposing face of a piston head to form a hydraulic lock, preventing back drive in the control system.

Water Filtration System - A water filtration system is provided that includes a filter section, a tank section, a pump section, a housing section and a dispensing section. The filter section includes a high-pressure water filter disconnected from a source of tap water. The tank section includes an outer tank member and an inner tank member fluidly connected to the filter section. The pump section is fluidly connected to the filter section via a first conduit for pumping water at a high pressure through the filter and is fluidly connected to the outer tank member via a second conduit for drawing unfiltered water from the outer tank member. The housing section houses at least one of the filter section, the tank section and the pump section. The dispensing section is fluidly connected to the inner tank member for dispensing filtered water.

2012-12-27

20120325343

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEHUMIDIFYING ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE AND PURIFYING SAME - A method and apparatus for the extraction of atmospheric moisture and converting it into potable water that is entirely closed and sealed thereby reducing the possibility of bacterial contamination through the system. The water is collected through a compressor and a coil, then filtered through a series of filters and pumped thereafter into a sealed, pressurized bladder that keeps the filtered water unexposed to the atmosphere until it is dispensed for drinking.

DISTRIBUTED EXHAUST SYSTEM - An exhaust system includes a multiple of distribution risers which extend transverse to a plenum, each of the multiple of distribution risers includes at least one downstream directed aperture.

2012-12-27

20120325346

FLOWING WATER SPLITTING APPARATUS, FLOWING WATER SPLITTING METHOD AND SEWAGE SYSTEM - A flowing water splitting apparatus includes a first flowing water channel including a weir defining a water quantity of the flowing water flowing in from a confluent pipe and leading the flowing water flowing in from the confluent pipe to a dirty water pipe; a second flowing water channel leading flowing water flowing over the weir to a rainwater pipe; a partition wall portion provided to block the flowing water flowing through the first flowing water channel to form a plurality of water diversion chambers partitioned in the first flowing water channel; and a flow throttle portion formed in the partition wall portion to throttle a flow quantity of the flowing water flowing from one water diversion chamber into another water diversion chamber.

2012-12-27

20120325347

PARTICLE PROCESSING DEVICE USING CENTRIFUGAL FORCE - A particle processing device includes a substrate and at least one fluidic path. The substrate is rotatable with respect to the middle region thereof. The fluidic path is provided in the substrate to extend from the middle region to a peripheral region. The fluidic path transfers a fluid having a particle from an input portion to an output portion of the fluidic pather by using a centrifugal force of the rotation of the substrate. A capturing region is formed between the input portion and the output portion of the fluidic path to have a changeable sectional shape for capturing the particle.

2012-12-27

20120325348

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL SYSTEM HEALTH MONITORING - A method of monitoring operation of a fuel system includes urging a fuel flow from a fuel source toward a pressure regulating valve via a fuel pump. A pressure of the fuel flow is detected at the pressure regulating valve, and a pump speed required to produce a selected pressure at the pressure regulating valve is detected. The pump speed is compared to a range of acceptable pump speeds, and an operational status of the fuel pump is determined based on a result of the comparison.

2012-12-27

20120325349

SUBSTRATE ACCOMMODATION DEVICE - A substrate accommodation device can effectively prevent a foreign substance from adhering to a substrate accommodated therein depending on an environment where the substrate accommodation device is used. The substrate accommodation device

2012-12-27

20120325350

DUAL FUEL INJECTOR FOR A COMMON RAIL SYSTEM - A dual fuel common rail fuel injector includes a first and second control valve assembly and a first and second check needle. The dual fuel injector is capable of selectively injecting two different fuels such as diesel and liquefied natural gas. The first and second control valve assemblies operate using a single fuel, such as diesel, as the control medium. The dual fuel common rail injector further includes a hydraulic lock assembly.

2012-12-27

20120325351

FLUID SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING A DEVICE WITH HIGHLY PURE LIQUID - The fluid system for supplying a dialysis device with permeate has a secondary ring line which is guided within a common insulating hose or another form-fit sheathing. Thus, heat loss is reduced and use is facilitated. The insulating hose having the inner lines is adapted to a flow-optimized coupling handpiece having low dead space, which can preferably be coupled to a mating coupling piece.

2012-12-27

20120325352

DEVICE CONSISTING OF CONTAINERS ATTACHED TO A PALLET FOR TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - The field of transporting hazardous materials and specifically to a pallet that holds containers for receiving a liquid, for example an organic peroxide, which, for safety reasons, can only be transported in small amounts. A device that includes 2 to 20, and preferably 2 to 10, containers attached onto a pallet, said containers being intended to contain a hazardous material in liquid form, the containers all having a volume greater than 100 L and preferably between 120 to 300 L.

2012-12-27

20120325353

PLUG SWITCH OUTLET MECHANISM - A plug switch outlet mechanism has a first and second shower. The first shower includes a first switch mechanism inside and a socket outside a fixed unit, an outlet connected to the fixed unit; the fixed unit is disposed with two waterways and an inlet waterway connected to the external water source, one of the waterway is connected to the outlet, the socket is disposed with a switch, the switch is driving connected to the first switch mechanism for driving the first switch mechanism when touched to make the two waterways switched to connect to the inlet waterway; the second shower is connected to the other waterway, the second shower is coupled to the socket and can plug into the socket, when the second shower is inserted into the sockets or pulled away from the socket, the switch is touched.

Portable Axillary Fuel Supply - A portable DC powered fuel pump is encased in a housing that can mount adjacent the driver's window to provide fuel to an engine with a broken fuel pump. Several mounting means are disclosed including a groove in the bottom of the housing and/or drop down legs for the door panel combined with an L bracket to grab the windowsill. Various fuel supplies are shown ranging from a fuel hose from the gas fill port to an external plastic tank to an internal tank in a vented housing. Options include lights, fuel pressure adjustment, power source options, a handle and a heat cushion for temporary use in an engine compartment.

2012-12-27

20120325356

Pulsation Attenuation - A system, apparatus, and method for attenuating pulsations in a pumping system. The apparatus includes two pipe loops in fluid communication with a pump. Each of the pipe loops includes two branches with the first branch being longer than the second branch by an amount equal to half of a primary wavelength within a range of wavelengths propagating in a fluid discharged from the pump.

2012-12-27

20120325357

PIPE CLAMP DEVICE - A pipe clamp device having first and second portions connected together at a hinge. At least one portion is adapted to move pivotally around the hinge relative to the other portion, the first and second portions being adapted to co-operate with one another to close around and at least partially encircle a pipe to be clamped. The pipe clamp device has securing members to secure the first and second portions in a clamped arrangement around the pipe. The pipe clamp device has a sealing mechanism configured to seal between one of the first and second portions and the pipe, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises first and second seal devices housed in respective recesses and defining a sealed chamber between the recessed first and second seal devices. A settable fluid is injected into the sealed chamber between the first and second seal devices. A method of suing the clamp device is also disclosed.

2012-12-27

20120325358

AIR DUCT - An air duct includes a main body and a panel. The main body includes a top wall defining a depressed portion. A front wall of the depressed portion defines an inlet. A rear wall of the depressed portion defines two outlets. The top wall forms two fixing portions at the front side of the top wall. A pole is mounted to the rear side of the top wall, between the outlets. A first end of the panel is rotatably connected to the pole; a second end of the board opposite to the first end is operable to be selectively mounted to one of the fixing portions.

2012-12-27

20120325359

FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC CORE ELECTRONIC MARKER - An electronic marker and method of making an electronic marker for marking obscured articles. The marker includes a core made of flexible, and sometimes high permeability magnetic material and a solenoid disposed around the core. A capacitor is electrically coupled with the solenoid, and the marker is tuned to respond to a signal at a characteristic resonant frequency. The marker can attached to a conduit to be buried underground. The marker can further include a radio frequency identification chip.

2012-12-27

20120325360

RIGIDIFIED FLEXIBLE CONDUIT - A rigidified flexible conduit for a conduit run having a predetermined configuration and length, the apparatus including a flexible conduit having a first end and a second end, end fittings disposed at each end, composite bends as required at the ends, at least one rigid medial section disposed in the flexible conduit, and at least one multiple leg transition. The rigid medial section and composite bends, and the multiple leg transitions, if any, are formed from the flexible conduit and an applied coating of a composite matrix material.

2012-12-27

20120325361

EXPANSIBLE THREADED JOINT AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - An expandable threaded connection includes: first and second tubular components including respective male and female ends including respective first and second and third and fourth threaded zones, insertion regions, first and second annular tongues, prominent abutment faces, and first and second concavities; the first and second tongues are respectively engaged in the second and first concavities in a made up condition, the abutment face of at least one tongue in contact with at least one concavity; the male end including a first surface between the first threaded zone and the first tongue, and the female end including a second surface between the third threaded zone and the second concavity; in the made up condition, the first and second surfaces define an annular space include large and small radial dimension zones which, after expansion, can form a metal-metal contact seal, the first tongue bearing on the second tongue.

2012-12-27

20120325362

SUBMERGED ARC WELDING METHOD FOR STEEL PLATE - Provided is a submerged arc welding method for a steel plate. In welding the steel plate from an internal surface or an external surface by a submerged arc welding, welding condition is set such that, a cross-sectional area of internal weld metal S

2012-12-27

20120325363

METHOD FOR BENDING THERMOPLASTIC PIPES - A method for producing a bent pipe from thermoplastic material with end cross-sections, central points of which have in relation to one another a positional tolerance on the basis of LN xy/JAR xy/FAR xy in relation to one another. A straight pipe element is introduced into a tool and a portion of the straight pipe element is heated that is located in the bending region to a temperature which lies above a glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material by a first temperature value. The straight pipe element is bent about the heated bending region of the tool by a freely selectable bending angle, which has a spatial alignment in an XYZ system of coordinates that is fixed with respect to the pipe. The pipe is then cooled below the glass transition temperature by a second temperature value.

2012-12-27

20120325364

SEAMLESS STEEL PIPE FOR HIGH-STRENGTH HOLLOW SPRING - Disclosed is a seamless steel pipe for a high-strength hollow spring, which comprises 0.20 to 0.70 mass % of C, 0.5 to 3.0 mass % of Si, 0.1 to 3.0 mass % of Mn, 0.030 mass % or less (including 0%) of P, 0.030 mass % or less (including 0%) of S, 0.02 mass % or less (including 0%) of N, and the remainder made up by Fe and unavoidable impurities, and which is characterized in that carbide has an equivalent circle diameter of 1.00 μm or less. The seamless steel pipe enables the production of a hollow spring having high strength and excellent durability.

2012-12-27

20120325365

AUTOMATED SYRINGE FILLER AND LOADING APPARATUS - An automated method for the filling of syringes including the steps of holding an uncapped syringe in a vertical position with an exposed needle extending at the top. A horizontally rotatable plate holding inverted vials of liquid with needle perforatable septum is position above the needle. The motorized plate with the positioned vial descends on the needle perforating the septum. The syringe plunger can be lowered using a motorized plunger tool and drawing liquid into the syringe. The vial and plate can be elevated separating the needle from the septum. The plate can be optionally rotated to position a second vial above the needle. The needle, now filled with liquid, e.g., medicine can also be removed from the holder. The method can be combined with a cap extractor/installer component. The apparatus comprises a motor driven rotatable plate, a motorized syringe plunger tool. It can comprise a motor controlled rotating carousel.

2012-12-27

20120325366

MODULAR TIRE INFLATOR - A tire inflation system comprising a tire inflation apparatus having an inflation head, a pressurized gas source, and a controller, with the inflation head being positioned at a tire and wheel assembly inflation location at which a tire and wheel assembly is received to inflate the tire and wheel assembly. The tire and wheel assembly includes a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) valve stem that detects and transmits inflation pressure data of the tire and wheel assembly. The inflation head defines a tire inflation cavity that seals with the tire of the tire and wheel assembly when engaged with the inflation head. Pressurized gas is delivered from the pressurized gas source through an outlet in the tire inflation cavity for inflation of the tire and wheel assembly. The controller receives inflation pressure data from the TPM valve stem and controls operation of the tire inflation apparatus in response thereto.

AUTOMATED SYRINGE FILLER AND LOADING APPARATUS - An automated syringe filler is disclosed comprising a housing and motor with a rotatable syringe holder plate that can be raised and lowered onto exposed syringe needles. The housing also has components for one or more syringes to be attached with the needles pointing upward and the syringe plungers moveably positioned at the bottom. The syringe plunger tool controls the movement of the syringe plunger and can be horizontally and vertically positionable. The syringe plunger tool is motorized and can be controlled by a CPU or similar device containing programmable media.

2012-12-27

20120325369

Transmission Service Vent Fitting - The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission service vent fitting with a hollow shaft insertable in a transmission housing, configured to allow a funnel nozzle to at least partially be inserted therein; and a release aperture formed in the shaft configured to enable exhaust from the transmission housing when the nozzle is at least partially inserted in the shaft and fluid passes through the nozzle.

2012-12-27

20120325370

METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND PROCESSING WOOD CHIPS - This patent application describes a method to produce wood chips with the intention of reducing the energy consumption in the subsequent process steps for pulp production. With the present method wood chipping is done in a wood chipper where the chipping tool (

2012-12-27

20120325371

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING DIAGONAL PLYWOOD - Method for manufacturing diagonal plywood is disclosed. The method uses a rectangular-shaped plywood board or a joined plywood board made of a plurality of plywood boards having the same thickness and joined together into a rectangular shape is prepared. The rectangular-shaped board or joined board is cut diagonally with respect to any pair of parallel sides of the board along diagonal parallel lines spaced at a predetermined interval into a plurality of cut boards having a shape of parallelogram or trapezoid. Subsequently, the cut boards are joined together side-to-side into a joined elongated board in such a way that the opposite parallel sides thereof form the elongated sides of the resulting joined elongated board. The joined elongated board is cut across the elongated sides thereof into a plurality of rectangular-shaped boards of any desired dimension.

2012-12-27

20120325372

METHOD FOR REDUCTION OF TIME IN A GAS CARBURIZING PROCESS AND COOLING APPARATUS UTILIZING A HIGH SPEED QUENCHING OIL FLOW RATE - The present invention provides a process for reduction of time in gas-carburizing process and cooling apparatus to perform carburization by step heating of a part during carburizing heating from 800° C., 850° C., 900° C. onwards to a carburization temperature of 930° C. with the part being held at each mentioned temperature for 10 minutes by adding LPG or propane along with methanol in the furnace for activation/diffusion, the holding time is thereby reduced for carburization, thereafter the carburized parts are quenched in the invented apparatus to discharge high severity of quenching. A quenching oil flow rate of about 1.6 meters per second is critical to the process.

2012-12-27

20120325373

METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF METAL SURFACE, AND SURFACE-MODIFIED METAL PRODUCT - Provided is a method of treating a metal surface, which can improve surface properties of a target metal, such as surface hardness and wear resistance in a simple manner and at low cost using very simple equipment alone, and which can prevent the deterioration of the metal to create high added value. The present invention is comprised of a method of treating a metal surface, characterized in that: heat-treating a target metal (

Steel Sheet Manufactured by Decarburizing Solid Sponge Iron and Method for Manufacturing the Same - A steel sheet which is decarburized after being strip casted and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. A method for manufacturing the steel sheet includes i) providing molten iron, ii) removing sulfur, phosphorus, and silicon from the molten iron, iii) strip casting the molten iron and providing the steel sheet, and iv) heating and contacting the steel sheet with an oxidization gas while decarburizing the steel sheet.

2012-12-27

20120325376

HIGH-STRENGTH COLD-ROLLED STEEL SHEET AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - A high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having high chemical convertibility and a tensile strength of 590 MPa or more and a method for producing such a steel sheet are provided. The steel sheet contains, in terms of percent by mass, C: 0.05 to 0.3%, Si: 0.6 to 3.0%, Mn: 1.0 to 3.0%, P: 0.1% or less, S: 0.05% or less, Al: 0.01 to 1%, N: 0.01% or less, and the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The coverage ratio of reduced iron on a steel sheet surface is 40% or more. In order to produce such a steel sheet, an oxidation treatment is performed after cold rolling. Subsequently, annealing is conducted in a furnace in a 1 to 10 vol % H

2012-12-27

20120325377

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A HOT PRESS-FORMED MEMBER - A method of producing a hot press-formed member having good corrosion resistance comprises subjecting a zinc-based plated steel sheet to heat treatment by heating to a temperature region of 600-750° C. at a rate of temperature increase up to 600° C. of at most 50° C. per second followed by cooling to 550° C. or below to form a steel blank which has a zinc oxide layer in its uppermost surface portion and below it a zinc-iron alloy phase having an Fe content of at least 25 mass %. This steel blank is heated to a temperature of at least its Ac

2012-12-27

20120325378

EXTRUSION OF GLASSY ALUMINUM-BASED ALLOYS - A method of extruding a glassy aluminum-based alloy billet, by soaking the billet for sufficient time to heat the billet to an extrusion starting temperature of from about 300° F. to about 600° F. and extruding the billet in a streamline die having an extrusion ratio to keep the adiabatic temperature below the starting temperature while maintaining the streamline die at a temperature of about 400° F. to about 600° F. at a ram speed less than that which would raise the streamline die temperature within this range.

HEAT RESISTANT ALLOY MEMBER, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING THE SAME - A heat resistant alloy member that maintains the creep strength and improves the fatigue characteristics is provided. The heat resistant alloy member according to the present invention includes a recrystallized structure layer including finer grains on the surface of the member than those inside of the member. The recrystallized structure layer is formed by forming a stirred layer by giving processing strain to the surface of the member using a friction stir processing, and applying recrystallization heat treatment to the stirred layer for recrystallization.

2012-12-27

20120325381

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING 6XXX ALLOY MATERIALS FOR VACUUM CHAMBERS - The invention relates to a manufacturing process for an aluminum block of at least 250 mm thick designed for the manufacture of elements for vacuum chambers in which the following operations are carried out successively: an alloy block is cast by semi-continuous casting, the composition of this block in weight % being: Si 0.5-1.5; Mg: 0.5-1.5; Fe<0.3; Cu<0.2; Mn<0.8; Cr<0.10; Ti<0.15, other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, the rest aluminum; solution heat treatment is performed at a temperature ranging between 450 and 560° C. directly on the cast block and optionally homogenized; the block that has undergone solution heat treatment is quenched at a cooling speed between the solution heat treatment temperature and 200° C. of at least 200° C./h; the block quenched and optionally stress-relieved is artificially aged. The blocks obtained in this way are advantageous for the production of vacuum chambers for the manufacture of integrated electronic circuits containing semiconductors, flat screens and/or photovoltaic panels.

2012-12-27

20120325382

AGING OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS FOR IMPROVED COMBINATION OF FATIGUE PERFORMANCE AND STRENGTH - Aluminum alloys having an improved combination of properties are provided. In one aspect, a method for producing the alloy includes preparing an aluminum alloy for artificial aging and artificially aging the alloy. In one embodiment, the artificially aging step includes aging the aluminum alloy at a temperature of at least about 250° F., and final aging the aluminum alloy at a temperature of not greater than about 225° F. and for at least about 20 hours.

2012-12-27

20120325383

ACOUSTICAL CORE FOR ABSORBING NOISE WITHIN A TIRE INTERIOR CAVITY - A tire assembly includes an acoustic foam core disposed within a cavity of the tire for attenuating noise. The foam core defines an expanding radial force that biases the foam core against an inner surface of the tire to secure a position of the foam core relative to the tire. The foam core may include an annular base having a plurality of nodules disposed on an outer periphery of the annular base for engaging the inner surface of the tire and to position the annular base away from the inner surface of the tire. The foam core may further include a plurality of positioning tabs disposed on opposing axial ends of the annular base for engaging side walls of the tire to position the annular base away from the side walls of the tire.

2012-12-27

20120325384

PNEUMATIC TIRE - A pneumatic tire includes two circumferential main grooves within a ground-contact width of a tread, and a group of polygonal blocks between the two circumferential main grooves. The group of polygonal blocks includes a plurality of polygonal blocks arranged in at least two longitudinal rows in a tire circumferential direction and a plurality of transverse rows in a tire width direction. Each polygonal block has not less than five sides, and is defined by narrow grooves. The polygonal blocks in the adjacent longitudinal rows are arranged so as to be staggered from each other in the tire circumferential direction. The group of polygonal blocks has a widthwise center that is positioned within a 50% width region of the ground-contact width of the tread across a tire equatorial plane.

2012-12-27

20120325385

PNEUMATIC TIRE - Provided is a pneumatic tire in which a polygonal block group is provided between two circumferential main grooves in a tread ground contact width, the polygonal block group comprising a plurality of polygonal blocks with five or more sides which are demarcated by thin grooves and arranged in at least two longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, the longitudinal rows being arranged so that the polygonal blocks included in adjacent longitudinal rows differ in phase from each other in a tire circumferential direction; side block rows are provided, one on each of the two sides in the tire width direction of the polygonal block group, the side block rows comprising a plurality of side blocks which are demarcated by the circumferential main grooves, lateral grooves, and the thin grooves and arranged in the tire circumferential direction; and a length in the tire circumferential direction of a first side block included in a first side block row provided on one side is larger than the length in the tire circumferential direction of a second side block included in a second side block row provided on the other side.

2012-12-27

20120325386

PNEUMATIC TIRE TREAD - Pneumatic tire tread which reduces tread pattern noise while suppressing air column resonance from circumferential grooves is provided with a number of sets of resonators and at least two types of branch groove shapes; the length of the first branch grooves at least 40% of the length of the contact surface, and groove width between 10% and 25% of the circumferential groove width; the length of the second branch grooves between 40% and 90% of the length of the first branch grooves, and the groove width no less than the first branch groove width; first openings and second openings alternately present on same circumferential groove; length between openings in first branch grooves is no more than 50% of the length of the contact surface; difference between the minimum cross-sectional void ratio in the ribs where the branch grooves are provided and the maximum cross-sectional void ratio is no greater than 10%.

Tire Containing an Antioxidant Reservoir - A tire comprising: two beads intended to come into contact with a mounting rim; two sidewalls extending the beads radially outward, the two sidewalls joining in a crown comprising a crown reinforcement extending axially between two axial ends and surmounted by a tread; and a carcass reinforcement anchored in the two beads and extending through the sidewalls to the crown, wherein the crown includes, radially to the inside of the carcass reinforcement, at least one reservoir layer made of a rubber mix having a high antioxidant content, so that at least one reservoir layer is radially plumb with each axial end of the crown reinforcement, wherein said at least one reservoir layer has an antioxidant content equal to or greater than 5 phr but does not exceed 10 phr, and wherein said at least one reservoir layer further includes an oxygen absorbent.

RUBBER COMPOSITION FOR CLINCH OR CHAFER, AND PNEUMATIC TIRE - The present invention aims to provide a rubber composition for a clinch or chafer which enables to improve the rim chafing resistance, elongation at break, handling stability, and fuel economy in a balanced manner, and to reduce the number of broken spews in tire demolding; and a pneumatic tire produced using the rubber composition. The rubber composition for a clinch or chafer includes 100 parts by mass of a rubber component; 1.2 to 2.9 parts by mass of zinc oxide; and 2.2 to 4.0 parts by mass of stearic acid, the rubber component including 15 to 80% by mass of a butadiene rubber and 15 to 50% by mass of an isoprene-based rubber based on 100% by mass of the rubber component.

2012-12-27

20120325392

METHOD FOR FABRICATING LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY PANEL - A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a step where, on a first mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon, a first sealing member is provided to surround a display area and overlap the alignment film, and a second sealing member is provided such that the second sealing member extends along at least a side of the first sealing member and is spaced from the alignment film; and a step where the first mother substrate having the first and second sealing members provided thereon and a second mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon are attached to each other such that the first and second sealing members are united each other with their side edges being in contact with each other.

2012-12-27

20120325393

METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PARTICLE-BASED ELEMENT - The invention relates to a method for producing a particle-based element, especially a chipboard or fibreboard. A first three-dimensionally shaped structural element having first particles is produced. A second structural element having second particles is shaped so as to be complementary. The first structural element is connected to the second structural element.

INTERLAYER FILM FOR LAMINATED GLASS AND LAMINATED GLASS - The invention provides an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which are protected against a slump in TL value through attenuation of said coincidence effect and adapted to display an outstanding sound insulation performance over a broad temperature range. An interlayer film for a laminated glass comprising a plasticizer and a polyacetal resin, which is a blend of a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 1,000 to 3,000 and a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 3,000 to 5,000, and which has an acetalization degree of 60 to 85 mol % and an acetyl group content of 8 to 30 mol %. An interlayer film for a laminated glass which shows a temperature dependence of loss tangent in which the lowest-temperature side maximum of loss tangent appears at 30° C. or lower when examined for dynamic viscoelasticity.

2012-12-27

20120325397

Conduit, Manufacture Thereof and Fusion Process Therefor - A method for fusing a first conduit to a second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit each include a linear portion having a linear portion inside diameter, and at least one bell portion with a first end and a second end and having a bell portion inside diameter that increases from the first end to the second end. The method includes: melting at least a portion of each of the second end of the bell portion of the first conduit and the second end of the bell portion of the second conduit; and engaging the melted second end of the bell portion of the first conduit with the melted second end of the bell portion of the second conduit, thereby creating a fused joint area.

2012-12-27

20120325398

AUTOMATED RESIN AND FIBER DEPOSITION FOR RESIN INFUSION - A composite structure is fabricated by laying up at least one ply of fiber reinforcement and at least one layer of resin on a tool. The resin film layer is formed by laying strips of resin film. The fiber reinforcement is infused with resin from the resin layer.

2012-12-27

20120325399

IMPACT RESISTANT DOOR SKIN, DOOR INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN IMPACT RESISTANT DOOR SKIN FROM A PRE-FORMED DOOR SKIN - An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.

2012-12-27

20120325400

AIR CONVEYOR AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAB USING THE AIR CONVEYOR - An air conveyor is positioned on a tabbing machine and includes a housing having an air chamber and a web entry and web exit and air port communicating with the air chamber. An air nozzle assembly is positioned within the air chamber and includes upper and lower nozzle plates that extend across the air chamber and spaced from each other to form a web delivery channel that is aligned with the web entry and web exit. Each of the nozzle plates includes a plurality of air nozzles extending through the nozzle plate and configured to pass pressurized air from the air chamber into the web delivery channel such that a web of material entering the web entry is drawn, for example, by venturi pressure, from the web entry through the web delivery channel and out the web exit.

2012-12-27

20120325401

HEAT TRANSFER METHODS AND SHEETS FOR APPLYING AN IMAGE TO A SUBSTRATE - Methods are generally provided of transferring an image to a substrate using a colorless fusible polymer material printed onto a printable surface of a printable transfer sheet to form an imaged area. The printable transfer sheet can be positioned adjacent to a coating transfer sheet such that the imaged area is adjacent to a meltable coating layer of the coating transfer sheet. The meltable coating layer and the imaged area can then be fused together, and the sheets separated to form an intermediate coated imaged sheet, such that the imaged area is coated with the meltable coating layer. The intermediate coated imaged sheet can be positioned adjacent to the substrate such that the imaged area coated with the meltable coating layer is adjacent to substrate, and heat and pressure can be applied. The intermediate coated imaged sheet can be separated from the substrate to leave the imaged area on the substrate.

2012-12-27

20120325402

HEAT ACTIVATED OPTICALLY CLEAR ADHESIVE FOR BONDING DISPLAY PANELS - A method of making a display assembly includes the steps of (a) attaching a first substrate and a second substrate with an optically clear heat activated adhesive to form a laminate. Each of the first and second substrate has opposing major surfaces. At least one of the first and second substrate has a three dimensional surface topography covering at least a portion of one of its major surfaces or is distortion sensitive. At a heat activation temperature, the adhesive is pressure sensitive. The method also includes heating the laminate to the heat activation temperature of the adhesive causing the adhesive to flow. The activation temperature is greater than 40° C. and less than 120° C.

2012-12-27

20120325403

HOT FILM LAMINATION (VACUUM ASSISTED) FOR CARPET BACKING APPLICATIONS - A process for laminating a substrate, where the process may include: disposing at least one a thermoplastic film on a porous substrate; heat softening the at least one thermoplastic film; conjoining the at least one thermoplastic film and the porous substrate to form a laminated substrate; and cooling the laminated substrate; wherein the conjoining comprises suctioning the thermoplastic film into the porous substrate. An apparatus for laminating a substrate, where the apparatus may include: a system for disposing a thermoplastic film on a tufted substrate; a heater for heat softening the thermoplastic film; and a vacuum for suctioning the thermoplastic film into the tufted substrate.

2012-12-27

20120325404

PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS - An inductively-coupled-plasma (ICP) type plasma processing apparatus is provided. The plasma processing includes an antenna which is substantially straight in a plan view of the antenna. A plasma is generated for performing a plasma treatment to a substrate when a high frequency current is applied to the antenna to form an electric field in a vacuum container. The antenna includes two go-and-return conductors closely disposed to each other in an up-down direction, wherein the up-down direction is perpendicular to a surface of the substrate, and the high frequency current is applied to flow in opposite directions between the two go-and-return conductors. An interval is defined by a distance between the two go-and-return conductors in the up-down direction, varies in a longitudinal direction of the antenna.

2012-12-27

20120325405

METHODS OF FABRICATING LARGE-AREA, SEMICONDUCTING NANOPERFORATED GRAPHENE MATERIALS - Methods for forming a nanoperforated graphene material are provided. The methods comprise forming an etch mask defining a periodic array of holes over a graphene material and patterning the periodic array of holes into the graphene material. The etch mask comprises a pattern-defining block copolymer layer, and can optionally also comprise a wetting layer and a neutral layer. The nanoperforated graphene material can consist of a single sheet of graphene or a plurality of graphene sheets.

2012-12-27

20120325406

LOWER LINER WITH INTEGRATED FLOW EQUALIZER AND IMPROVED CONDUCTANCE - A plasma processing chamber has a lower liner with an integrated flow equalizer. In an etching process, the processing gases may be unevenly drawn from the processing chamber which may cause an uneven etching of the substrate. The integrated flow equalizer is configured to equalize the flow of the processing gases evacuated from the chamber via the lower liner.

2012-12-27

20120325407

PLASMA CONFINEMENT RINGS HAVING REDUCED POLYMER DEPOSITION CHARACTERISTICS - Plasma confinement ring assemblies are provided that include confinement rings adapted to reach sufficiently high temperatures on plasma-exposed surfaces of the rings to avoid polymer deposition on those surfaces. The plasma confinement rings include thermal chokes adapted to localize heating at selected portions of the rings that include the plasma exposed surfaces. The thermal chokes reduce heat conduction from those portions to other portions of the rings, which causes selected portions of the rings to reach desired temperatures during plasma processing.

2012-12-27

20120325408

Method And Apparatus For Making Disposable Absorbent Article With Absorbent Particulate Polymer Material And Article Made Therewith - A method for making a disposable absorbent core comprises depositing absorbent particulate polymer material from a plurality of reservoirs in a printing roll onto a substrate disposed on a grid of a support which includes a plurality of cross bars extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another so as to form channels extending between the plurality of cross bars. The plurality of reservoirs in the first peripheral surface are arranged in an array comprising rows extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another. A disposable absorbent article and apparatus for making an absorbent article are also disclosed.

2012-12-27

20120325409

LOCKING TAPE DISPENSER - A tape dispenser adapted to dispense lengths of adhesive tape from a roll of adhesive tape wound upon a cylindrical tape core having a first sidewall, a second sidewall generally parallel to the first sidewall, a hub structure and a tape retaining tab extending inwardly from at least one of the first and second sidewalls. A rearwardly extending tongue is supported between the sidewall front portions, the tongue includes a rear edge approaching the tape retaining tab and defining therewith a gap. An unwound portion of the tape passes through the gap between the retaining tab and the tongue, and the tongue is movable between a first position for holding the unwound portion of the tape against the tape retaining tab and a second position allowing the unwound portion of the tape to separate from the retaining tab.

2012-12-27

20120325410

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY MODIFYING GEL ADHESION - The invention concerns a method for controlling the adhesive bond between an electric-field responsive material and a substrate, which method comprises using an electric field to control the strength and integrity of the adhesive bond. The method may be used, for example, for removing or delaminating a material, which material is responsive to an electric field, from a substrate. The invention further comprises elimination of the application of the electric field and application of the previously removed electric-field-responsive material to the substrate, thereby resuming the strength and integrity of the adhesive bond. The invention includes apparatus for use in the bond controlling process.

2012-12-27

20120325411

Adjustable Cornice - An adjustable cornice that can expand in width to accommodate window fixtures of various dimensions without necessitating cutting. The adjustable cornice is assembled from a central section that attaches to a set left and right runners. The runners serve as the mounting system for the additional sections that include the plurality of left and right extension sections, and the left and right end sections. The runners traverse through the extension sections. The adjustable cornice conforms to a desired width by adding or removing the extension sections. The runners then traverse into the end sections and a plurality of fasteners are used to affix the runners to the extension sections, the end sections, and the central section. Once the front facing sections are affixed, the side sections are attached to the end sections and brackets are affixed to provide a method of mounting on the walls surrounding a window fixture.

2012-12-27

20120325412

LEADING END ASSEMBLIES FOR MOVABLE PARTITIONS INCLUDING SENSOR ASSEMBLIES, MOVABLE PARTITION SYSTEMS INCLUDING SENSOR ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS - Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.

2012-12-27

20120325413

METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS FOR DRIVING A MOVABLE PARTITION WITH A LEAD DRIVE BOX - Movable partition systems includes a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.

2012-12-27

20120325414

MOVABLE PARTITION SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS THEREOF, METHODS OF INSTALLING MOVABLE PARTITION SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF MOVING A MOVABLE PARTITION - Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.